technically — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. Based on precise facts, which, however, may be contrary to common belief or casual terminology.

   Synonyms

   stricto sensu

   Examples

   Near-synonym: stricto sensu

   Technically, he was Canadian, but everyone assumed he was American.

   More examples (2)

   Technically, a guinea pig is not a pig, nor is it from Guinea.

   Mary Slessor wasn’t technically the first missionary to oppose twin killing in Calabar, but she was unquestionably the most effective and relentless.

2. Based on formal (de jure) arguments, which, however, may be misleading.

   Examples

   technically correct

   Due to an omission in the peace treaty of the Russo-Japanese War, Montenegro was technically at war with Japan for 102 years.

   More examples (4)

   Stalin was not technically the Head of State.

   Number 1.0 [the head bureaucrat of a legion of bureaucrats]: Bureaucrat Conrad, you are technically correct — the best kind of correct. I hereby promote you to grade 37.

   "I warned you not to gaze upon my grand godson with that spell. I warned you it would not work properly. Granted, you couldn't hear me then any more than you can now, and you'd never met Tedd, but I diiiid technically say it!"

   For the Japanese, however, it's easier to summarize what is still afloat. Nagato, Kongō, and Haruna are technically still afloat, but all three are quite clearly on their way to the bottom.

3. In terms of technique.

   Synonyms

   techniquewise

   Examples

   Although she is technically gifted, her piano playing lacks passion.

   More examples (1)

   In Choosing Children one literally feels as if one were entering the lives of these parents and feels welcomed as they share their experiences with us openly and generously. Technically, this effect is enhanced by the straightforward camera work.

4. In a technical (involving specialized knowledge) way.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The ladies were not much the wiser, though, I confess, they were not far removed from the door. The great men inside talked indistinctly and technically, and once Doctor Dillon was so unfeeling as to crack a joke […]

5. According to the current state of technology.

   Synonyms

   technologically

   Examples

   For now, it is technically impossible to have a manned flight to Mercury.

Adverb

1. with regard to technique

   Examples

   technically lagging behind the Japanese

   a technically brilliant boxer

2. with regard to technical skill and the technology available

   Examples

   a technically brilliant solution

3. according to the exact meaning; according to the facts

   Examples

   technically, a bank's reserves belong to the stockholders

   technically, the term is no longer used by experts